Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Roman Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1812 by Father McGivney, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus, and dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. There are more than 1.7 million members in 14,000 councils on college campuses. Membership is limited to practical Catholic men aged 18 years or older.

Councils have been chartered in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, the Philippines, Guam, Saipan and most recently in Poland. The Knight's official junior organization, the Columbian Squires, has over 5,000 circles, none at Council 9301 at this time. All the Order's ceremonials and business meetings are restricted to members, though other events are open to the public. A promise not to reveal any details of the ceremonials, except to equally qualified Knights, is required to ensure their impact and meaning for new members.

Council Meetings General business meetings for Council 9301 are held the first Monday of each month in Star Hall (Social Activities Center in the basement of the church building) at 7:30 p.m. The meetings run about an hour to an hour and a half. If you are a member of any Knights of Columbus Council, you are welcome to attend. Attendance for members is encouraged at least once a quarter, but is preferred as often as you can. Participation in at least one of the many events supported by the Knights is requested.

About Our Council

St. Mary Star of the Sea Knights of Columbus Council 9301 was established in 1986. One of the Deacons currently assigned to our Parish, Deacon Vince Genco, was the catalyst in forming our Council as well as several other Councils in southern Michigan. We have been fortunate as well with the never-tiring and complete support of our Pastors, present and past. We are indeed a fraternal service organization with direct support to our Parish through contributions to the elementary school, priestly formation support, physical plant upgrade support in the parish as well as the school, contributions to two homes for children, contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Society who assist the poor in our community, and many others. We accomplish our goals through various events and activities conducted throughout the year. Please click on the Activities button to view many of the events and dates throughout the year.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program and many more family and personal benefits.

How to Join

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Please contact our Grand Knight, Mr. Thomas L'Hullier (517) 499-6207 or tjlhuil@gmail.com

Fourth Degree

Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

Ladies Auxiliary

The Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.

Squires

Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.